Angul Municipality landed in a controversy after installing the distorted statue of noted freedom fighter of Odisha and former Chief Minister, Nabakrushna Choudhary, installed at Gopabandhu Park in Angul Municipality.
The Civic Body installed a full-size statue of the former CM on Utkala Dibasa. However, instead of his usual ‘dhoti-kurta’, the statue was dressed in a coat and pant in the style of a British. After the tall leader’s statue in shirt and trousers triggered a massive outrage across the State, now the usual ‘dhoti-kurta’ makeover to the sculpture installed at Gopabandhu Park in Angul district on the occasion of Utkal Dibasa has again added fuel to the fire.
Nabakrushna’s daughter also condemned the activity. On the other hand, Angul Municipality authorities have admitted the ‘unintentional mistake’ and apologized unconditionally. The authorities also vowed to rectify the mistake.
In this statue, Choudhury was depicted in the clothes that he had never worn in her life.
Meanwhile, the Angul municipality authorities locked the main gate of the park and made all efforts to give a proper shape to the statue after locals alleged the ‘dhoti’ looks like a ‘lehnga’
Besides, a lawyer has also lodged a complaint in this regard at Angul police station demanding necessary action.
Notably, the freedom fighter, who was immensely inspired by the principles of Gandhi and used to live a simple life, was never seen in a shirt and trousers as he used to wear ‘Dhoti and Kurta’.
Intellectuals and youths have strongly opposed such act of the civic body.
Choudhury is well known for her simplicity and unassuming lifestyle. Inspired by Gandhian ideologies, he preferred to wear only ordinary clothes even during his tenure as chief minister.
